Daylighting Design and Simulation Laboratory

The Integrated Design Lab operates the Daylighting Design and Simulation Laboratory. The primary function of this lab is to provide design, simulation, and research resources to the building design community in Puget Sound and nationally, in order to improve the performance of daylighting design decisions in the context of an integrated design process. The Daylighting Lab also serves as a teaching and research lab for the University of Washington Department of Architecture.

We believe that daylight should be the primary source of illumination in the vast majority of commercial and institutional buildings. Buildings illuminated with daylight can provide healthier and higher-quality indoor environments for building occupants while meeting the demands of a low carbon future. Daylight-illuminated buildings have been shown to increase individual productivity and human comfort, promote healing, and provide the mental and visual stimulation necessary for the proper regulation of human brain chemistry.

Since its inception, the Daylighting Lab has provided design assistance and project-based research on over 300 major building projects across North America and internationally, including numerous award-winning buildingsincluding five AIA National Top Ten Green Building award winners.

The lab’s work has been funded by the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, the New Buildings Institute, the National Science Foundation, and partner design firms.

For project inquiries contact .